Editor’s Note

As  late spring brings a profusion of blossoms to the capital, various  non-governmental entities in Beijing have actively carried out  people-to-people international exchanges through diverse forms, telling  Beijing’s story and contributing Beijing’s wisdom to the world. By  welcoming both new and old friends to the city for cultural exchanges,  they continued to enhance engagement and mutual learning, so that the  Chinese and foreign civilizations can together shine with renewed  vitality.

Beijing Arbitration Commission Brings Beijing’s Insights to the Global Stage

As  an observer of Working Group IV of the United Nations Commission on  International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the Beijing Arbitration Commission  (BAC) was invited to the 68th session held at the UN Headquarters in New  York from March 24 to 28. During the meeting, the Commission  extensively participated in the formulation of international rules on  data transactions, presenting Beijing’s proposals, and contributing  Chinese wisdom to the international legal framework.

Group Photo of Ms. Anna Joubin-Bret, Secretary of the UNCITRAL, and BAC Delegation

“Beautiful Workshops” Shine at the United Nations

An  exhibition showcasing China’s achievements in building a accessible  environment and the handicrafts by women with disabilities from the  “Beautiful Workshops” was hosted by the Beijing Disabled Persons’  Federation at the 81st session of the United Nations Economic and Social  Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand,  from April 21 to 24. Presented during the ministerial meeting, the  exhibition highlighted China’s progress in creating barrier-free  environments and shared stories of people with disabilities in Beijing,  demonstrating Beijing’s achievements in improving services for people  with disabilities.

Armida  Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and  Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Visits the “Beautiful Workshops”  Exhibition of Handicrafts by Persons with Disabilities

Carry Forward the Bandung Spirit and Passing on the Torch of Friendship

On April 19, the event “Youth  Dream Program - Photo Exhibition of Zhou Enlai and the Bandung  Conference & China-ASEAN (Indonesia) Youth Table Tennis Training  Camp” was held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Marking the 75th anniversary  of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia and to commemorate  the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, the event aimed to build  a bridge of friendship and foster lasting friendships between Chinese  and Indonesian youth. The event was jointly organized by the Beijing One  Heart Sphere Charity Foundation, the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), and the  Beijing Enlai Foundation, among others.

Group Photo for the Friendly Match of the China-ASEAN (Indonesia) Youth Table Tennis Training Camp

Online Side Event Held at United Nations Youth Forum

On  April 17, the Beijing Changier Education Foundation hosted an online  side event under the theme “Youth at the Forefront: Leveraging Science  and Social Inclusion for Sustainable Development”. As one of the  official side events of the 2025 ECOSOC Youth Forum, the session brought  together outstanding youth representatives and guests from China, the  United States, Singapore, Cameroon, and other countries. Participants  engaged in in-depth discussions on technological advancement, social  inclusiveness, and sustainable development, showcasing the creativity,  leadership, and dedication of the younger generation in advancing the  global development agenda.

Highlights from the Online Side Event at the United Nations Youth Forum

Beijing International Film Festival Expands Its “Circles of Friends”

The  15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) was held in Huairou  from April 18 to 26, with 1,794 participating feature films from 103  countries and regions. Of these, 1,608 were international entries,  accounting for nearly 90% of the total. Over the past fifteen years, the  BJIFF, with its evergrowing international influence, has been  recognized as a vital platform for cultural exchanges between China and  the rest of the world. It continues to enhance Beijing’s role as a  center for international exchanges.

Closing and Awards Ceremony of the 15th Beijing International Film Festival 

Beijing International Friendship Forest Tree Planting Event: Growing Friendship Together

On  April 18, the “Me and Beijing: iBeijing” 2025 Beijing International  Friendship Forest Tree Planting Event was held. Nearly 200 participants,  including diplomats stationed in China, foreign experts, and  international students from 50 countries, joined the event. Jointly  hosted by the Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign  Countries and related organizations, this event has been held for 10  consecutive years and stands as the largest voluntary tree-planting  event for foreign friends in Beijing.

2025 Beijing International Friendship Forest Tree Planting Event